Aoki Simmons was trending the other day because of…… a poem. At first, you may think this it’s dumb these days to trend over a poem considering all the stuff that’s going on today AND because poems is a form of self-expression. However, the poem expressed her frustrations with being a black girl in a world that idolizes white women.
When you are a person of color, you always question everything around you. Did I not get that job because I was black? Did I get rejected by that man because I was black? And even when we do question, we have this subconscious feeling of not appearing angry because that is the stereotype we are attached to. Well, at least I do, I can’t really speak for all.
So when I heard about Aoki Simmons post, I actually applauded her because it takes a lot to admit your insecurities on social media when social media is full of idiots.
Being In A Predominately White College
In most places we go, black people will always be the minority. However, when I come from NYU and go back home, I am at my cultural place. I am at ease because I don’t have to worry about hidden racists as much
There are times when I feel like I am being looked down upon because of my race. And although it’s not direct racism, I can’t help but wonder the potential outcomes of a situation if I were white. It’s human nature.
Aoki Getting Dragged….
I usually get my news nowadays from Youtube considering I dramatically cut off my time from Instagram and Twitter. And in situations like these, I’m glad I did. Apparently, idiots attacked Aoki despite her own feelings. Specifically, they attacked her for being rich and being “jealous” of white girls.
Although I can be very critical of the rich, being rich does not solve all your problems. That is a known saying. In her case, she comes from a rich black household, which is rare in America. She is on her way to Harvard and she went to a predominately white private high school.
The Issue With Private Schools
The issue with many private schools is that they are predominately white. Many white kids, not all, in these schools can exclude or even be racist to the black kids because they aren’t familiar with them (or they were just raised to be a**holes).
To add on, as a black kid, you see how better your white peers are getting treated. That in itself creates the insecurity and the hardship of being black. You may feel ugly, stupid, not good enough, and in Aoki Simmon’s case, not respected enough.
It’s much easier to relate to Aoki Simmons if you have been in a predominately white setting. The girl is only 16 and she’s going to Harvard. She’s doing better than average. She’s super smart, pretty, articulate, the good qualities to have in society, yet she has dealt with ignorance and racism just because she’s black. If she were white, this would be no issue.
For Those Hating On Aoki
So for the bandwagon bullies attacking Aoki and saying she’s not proud of being black, take an English class and learn how to interpret poems. She envies the ease and privilege of being a white woman and I can honestly say that I have been there, along with many other women.
Instead of attacking someone for trying to express themselves similar to how Ayesha Curry was attacked, try to comprehend…and breathe.
As for Akoi Simmons, you are enough. Unfortunately, we live in a world where black girls have to work way harder, but wear your accomplishments on your sleeve. Harvard may also be another challenge because it is a predominantly white institution, but represent and value what you bring to the table. We have more battles to fight and we need more queens to reign.
